Who's been to Chicago?

[StaceySue]

My brother-in-law says we can stay in his apartment for about a week this summer (including driving time from Joplin, MO). We'll have a place to stay, so my questions are more about things to do. We saw some information about the GO CHICAGO Card. Has anyone used this? We'd like to go to the Field Museum of Natural History and spend time on Navy Pier. We'd like to go up the Sears Tower, we think. We've noticed with the card it includes a shoreline boat tour and hop on trolley access.

So, if you know Chicago, we'll take any advice you can give

[Den&Holly]

We used to live by Chicago and visit frequently (still have family in the city). The go card or City Pass are great deals if you plan on doing multiple activities. I believe the city pass gives you more access to the most requested activities. You will need to find out exactly where you will be staying, parking is a premium in Chicago. Take public transportation as much as possible (great train system). Will you have kids with you? The Shedd Aquarium is fun along with the museums and Navy Pier has shopping, boat tours, theater and restaurants.

[pamlet]

I just saw the Go Card the other day ... it looks good and convenient.

Where is the apartment? As Den&Holly said public transportation is very good there .. and easy (I think) to navigate with a little research.

I grew up in the city - and my folks lived out in the western suburbs most of my adult life ... we'd take advantage of the museums and stuff...

If you are going to have kids with you the Museum of Science and Industry is GREAT - lots of hands on stuff! It's a little further south than the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

The Art Institute is ALWAYS interesting ...
http://www.artic.edu/

The Chicago Culture Center was the main public library when I was growing up ... I LOVED going there ... when they moved the main library there was a lot of controversy .. some wanted it torn down .. and it is SO beautiful inside. When I was in college I worked holidays and vacations at Marshal Fields (now Macys ) It's only a block or two away from the Culture Center and I'd spend my lunch breaks over there reading a book..
http://www.cityofchicago.org/Tourism/CultureCenterTour/

There is SO MUCH to see and do there!

Don't forget the Zoo's ... there are two - Lincoln Park and Brookfield (Brookfield is in the suburbs but is accessable via Metra train)

[charlotte39]

And of course you can always pick up a CUBS game or SOX game (Cubs on the north side) Sox on the south side. Chicago is a big baseball city.
char

[travelgrl]

I agree with the recommendations on the Shedd Aquariam and the Art Institute. The Art Institute has many famous paintings and other interesting art and sculpture for viewing. Navy Pier is fun and entertaining. The magnificent mile is nice for window shopping or shopping if you have $$. Take a walk down Michigan Ave., and of course you can always visit Oprah! Try some Chicago Deep Dish Pizza! Have a great time.

[Coach Man]

Originally Posted by StaceySue

My brother-in-law says we can stay in his apartment for about a week this summer (including driving time from Joplin, MO). We'll have a place to stay, so my questions are more about things to do. We saw some information about the GO CHICAGO Card. Has anyone used this? We'd like to go to the Field Museum of Natural History and spend time on Navy Pier. We'd like to go up the Sears Tower, we think. We've noticed with the card it includes a shoreline boat tour and hop on trolley access.

So, if you know Chicago, we'll take any advice you can give

Don't waste your money and your time on the Sears Tower. Do the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center, instead.

Enjoy the ambiance of the Signature Lounge whilst gazing on the goings on below. It is free to get up there.......although a beer will cost about $6+gratuity. It's a far better investment and a more pleasant experience.

Any more info need......just drop me a line.



Coach Man.

[VBeason]

It has been years since I was there, but we did the aquarium, Museum of Science, Planatarium, even did a tour on a submarine. Oh yeah, we were there in October, so took in a BlackHawks Hockey game.

Vickie

[brnsnfn3]

I live an hour away.

[linron]

I used to live an hour from Chicago. I would say definitely see the Museum of Science and industry! We also enjoyed the Shedd aquarium and the Planetarium.

Got some REALLY good Pizza's in Chicago! Love the deep dish with lots of extra cheese!

If you like theme parks and want to venture out, go to Six Flags Great America (it is in Gurnee, Illinois, about 40 minutes north of Chicago)

[StaceySue]

I just wanted to say "thanks" for all of the replies! We are leaving next week. We are excited, and reading all of the posts makes us even more eager to leave. Thanks!

[ashbris]

Have a great trip!! I always wanted to go to Chicago and see Oprah!

[LBM]

What's the name of the restaurant where the waiters are rude (on purpose!) to you? It's one of those places that Chicago is known for. Ed Debevic?

I love Navy Pier and Shedd Aquarium.

[Branson_native8]

It's Called "Dicks"! DA' Bears!

[bgroman]

Originally Posted by LBM

What's the name of the restaurant where the waiters are rude (on purpose!) to you? It's one of those places that Chicago is known for. Ed Debevic?

Originally Posted by Branson_native8

It's Called "Dicks"! DA' Bears!

I think the one most people think of is Ed Debevic's. I've never been to Dick's Last Resort, but based on their web site, they might have a similar wait staff policy.

basil

[1stxin75]

We ate at "Tommy Gunns" last April (2007) fun meal and entertainment.